Bates, Devine, Tahuhu headline New Zealand squad for one last World Cup

Bates, Devine, Tahuhu headline New Zealand squad for one last World Cup

Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu will join Suzie Bates in retiring from international cricket after the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

The trio are part of the 15-member White Ferns squad announced on Wednesday, which includes Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp, both playing their first World Cups.

New Zealand squad: Melie Kerr (C), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu

Led by Amelia Kerr, the defending champions also feature Bree Illing and Polly Inglis, both featuring in their first T20 edition after playing in the ODI World Cup.

Sharp, who led New Zealand at the U19 Women's World Cup in 2023, made her senior debut last year, while Patel earned a call-up after strong domestic performances. For Bates and Devine, it will be their tenth edition, starting with the inaugural tournament in 2009.

Head coach Ben Sawyer said: "To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion. All three have had distinguished careers and given so much to this team."

Part of Group 2, New Zealand begin their title defence against the West Indies on June 14 in Southampton.